Exercise Science
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • 120 Credits
Exercise scientists study human movement, emphasizing health, fitness, and wellness, and apply their knowledge in health-related fields.
Overview
The major combines knowledge from various disciplines to understand the many different ways exercise affects the human body. With three emphasis areas—exercise physiology and sports performance, physical activity and health, and exercise science in health care—the program caters to diverse professional goals.
Coursework will provide a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology, behavior modification, exercise testing, and research methods. Each emphasis offers a unique curriculum that caters to specific aspects of the field, offering a well-rounded education. Additionally, you will gain practical experience through fieldwork and internships, enhancing your learning and professional readiness.
The program's student-oriented, teaching-focused approach ensures that students receive personalized attention and high-impact experiences. Graduates are ready for a variety of health and sport-related professions and are prepared for admission into health-related graduate schools. With opportunities to engage in research and scholarly activities alongside award-winning faculty, students are equipped to make significant contributions to the field of exercise science.
Department of Movement Science
Matt Feeback, Ph.D., Program Coordinator
4425 Kindschi Hall of
Science
(616) 331-3515
[email protected]
gvsu.edu/exercisescience
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.
Top skills- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
- Coordination
- Service Orientation
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 21,808.41 | 10% |
| $ 26,223.58 | 25% |
| $ 35,693.62 | 50% |
| $ 51,437.57 | 75% |
| $ 87,909.31 | 90% |
Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Instructing
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 38,944.07 | 10% |
| $ 43,671.70 | 25% |
| $ 51,382.70 | 50% |
| $ 65,829.52 | 75% |
| $ 82,071.75 | 90% |
Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 43,150.40 | 10% |
| $ 48,126.85 | 25% |
| $ 57,405.45 | 50% |
| $ 64,738.79 | 75% |
| $ 83,095.34 | 90% |
Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.
Top skills- Instructing
- Service Orientation
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Monitoring
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 19,780.53 | 10% |
| $ 28,433.09 | 25% |
| $ 43,305.19 | 50% |
| $ 59,145.73 | 75% |
| $ 90,490.63 | 90% |
Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.
Top skills- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Critical Thinking
- Science
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 63,129.84 | 10% |
| $ 77,444.50 | 25% |
| $ 95,870.10 | 50% |
| $122,236.83 | 75% |
| $149,593.67 | 90% |
94%
Graduates Employed
117K
GVSU Alumni in Michigan
#1
Provider of Healthcare Professionals in West Michigan
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Student Organizations
Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:
Career Advising
Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.
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